Background
I was very stubborn and I used to
get into a lot of trouble. We lived in a face-me-I-face-you apartment
throughout my childhood and I had varied experiences. We were not rich but we
never begged to eat. I have always loved to appear on the TV screen even as a
kid. At some point, I wanted to be a newscaster. At another time, I wanted to
be an actor. I think I am living my dreams.
Education
For my elementary education, I
attended Alimosho Primary School, Alimosho, in Lagos. For my post-elementary
education, I went to Alimosho Grammar School. I then proceeded to Lagos State
Polytechnic for my tertiary education to study Business Administration, though I
didn’t graduate.
Career
I have always wanted to become an
actress. When I met my late husband, I told him about my dream and he said
there was no problem. However, he gave me the condition that I had to finish
with childbearing before I went into the industry. We planned on having three
kids but he passed on before I could start my acting career. After he died, I
continued my business and I met someone who prevailed on me to act. I told him
I wanted to but didn’t have the time. He kept on pestering me and I decided to
give in just to get him off my back. He then took me to his brother who was in
the industry and that was how my career started. The first movie I acted in was
titled, Tori muri kan (Because of N20). I only had a cameo role in it.
Now, I have lost count of all the movies I have acted in.
Challenges
The first challenge I faced when I
joined the movie industry was the issue of poor pay. One had to pay to join a
caucus and you also had to prove beyond reasonable doubts why a role should be
given to you. You had to fight for virtually everything. Nobody wanted to
believe in me enough to give me roles. It wasn’t easy for me because I found it
difficult to pay bills.
Yoruba movies
Even though I am Igbo, I act mostly
Yoruba movies. I actually speak Yoruba more fluently than my native language.
When I first told my late husband I wanted to join the movie industry, he said
I would be acting English movies. However, at the time I decided to join the
industry, the person who introduced me was a Yoruba actor. Even when I tried to
get close to the English movie producers, they weren’t as welcoming as the
Yoruba people. The Yoruba people’s structure is stronger. In the English
sector, a lot of people would want to sleep with you before giving you roles.
Breakthrough
I think my breakthrough came
gradually. God decided to announce me to the world when I produced the movie, Akun,
and that’s what most people know me for. However, a major part of the
breakthrough also came when I shot my first movie, Ogusho; followed by
my second movie, Idaro.
Lessons
I have learnt that you need to have
passion for your job. That way, when you encounter challenges, you wouldn’t
stop. You also need to be patient and hard-working. Consistence matters a lot
and whatever would be would be. You should be open to learning and be friendly
with people. Every other thing would fall into place. I have passion for my job
and I enjoy what I’m doing. I don’t compete with anybody.
Personal productions
I have produced about 10 movies.
They include Ogusho, Idaro, Akun, Ebolo, Ewatomi, Stella, My Husband, My
Concubine, Two Mothers, Bridal Shower, and Encounter. Production is
another thing that I love doing. I love being in charge of the cast and crew on
set. Kunle Afod has directed 99 per cent of my movies.
Fame
Fame has not robbed me of anything;
rather, it has even given me more. I’m still the same old me. I play pretence
for a living but off-screen, what you see is what you get; I cannot pretend to
save my life.
Other interests
For now, I do only acting and
producing, and that’s what pays my bills. I wish I could venture into other
businesses but I’m still looking into that.
Single parenthood
My experience as a single mum has
been amazing. I thank God for my parents, siblings and everyone around me. My
children are no longer kids, so they can do many things on their own. They
actually don’t live with me; they stay with my parents but we are all in the
same area. I don’t want maids to watch over them; I believe they are better off
staying with my parents. However, I make sure that we communicate well.
Hobbies
I like watching movies and I relax
by doing that. I also like surfing the Internet. I hang out with friends and we
talk. I like laughing.
Fashion
I believe that less is more. Most
importantly, I don’t like wearing things that are in vogue. I like comfort. I
also like to be singled out with my appearance.
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